Ace Your Interviews: Preparation Guide
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural result of wanting recognition and acceptance from other people in particular from potential employers. While speaking about themselves may come naturally to some people however, many are nervous about being asked questions about their work or prior successes. Perhaps out of modesty and the anxiety that comes from being asked to answer personal questions The interview process has evolved into one of the biggest and most intimidating parts of the hiring process.
This doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great means for the candidate to show that their competencies have been demonstrated, as well as their potential. You have already been through the first step by submitting your resume to it through ATS scanners and you being shortlisted for an interview. This is the chance to showcase and elaborate on the profile of your employer, background as well as key abilities and knowledge is the aforementioned entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer that you’re the right candidate, it boosts your chances of passing through the next step of the selection process.
It is a good idea to prepare for interviews even if you’re having apprehensions about talking about your accomplishments. Training is the key to success to a successful interview, and luckily, the questions can be practiced in advance. The secret to successful interviews is preparation, and here are some guidelines you can use to increase your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, partly because they want to get information from you however, also because they want to see you navigate your way out of potentially contentious issues and concerns. Take for example the question "Why are you resigning from your current position?"
The answer may be because of management concerns, or issues about the balance between work and life, etc. Whatever the reason but the way the way you frame your response will signal your ability to be a fair and objective observer. Be honest and articulate your responses using as much objectivity possible. This includes removing any emotional responses , such as responses based on emotions or feelings that are not supported by actual facts.
Other questions to consider are "What inspired you to apply for this job?", "Why should we choose your services?", or trick questions like "Why do we not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Lead with your point and follow up with a short reason or summary as to why you responded a certain manner. Next, provide examples or further elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly you can go back to your original point.
In the same way, if you’re requested to provide a description of your participation on a project or task and you are required to describe your involvement, you could utilize an approach called the STAR Method, which is often used when responding on selection criteria. When you use STAR the first thing you need to do is write an scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken as well as the results.
It’s all in body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a tall order However, you can learn to communicate professionally. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you moving or fidgeting around in a tense manner? Are you looking intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions reflect the point you are trying to make? Do you display sincerity, authenticity and genuine interest?
Take a look at your strengths and weak points.
Before the interview, you should read the job description again. Assuming that you’ve read the description and then used the roles and duties listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other selection documents, it is important to consider the job description to honestly describe yourself to the interviewer. Be honest and upfront about your strengths and weaknesses. Being honest about your strengths will allow interviewers to recognize your unique selling points as a prospective client. However, announcing your intention to work on your weaknesses is just as notable.
Prepare questions
Another crucial aspect of an interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the business. The best person to ask questions is your interviewer. If you noticed something interesting from the job descriptions, or you have concerns that weren’t answered on their FAQ page or guide questions (which are typically found within the job packet or in their general hiring page About section) You can raise them at the end of the interview when the interviewer invites you to ask questions. A few questions that you can ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the jobif given the opportunity to be part of members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the possibilities for further development and training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Other benefits and packages for salary are typically advertised along with the job (or on a list for those applying through SEEK). However, interviewers could ask you how much you anticipate earning. An important point to remember is to offer a range within which you’d like your earnings to be, rather than providing an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a a wide margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a reasonable range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 or anything in the range of $10,000. Consider other perks and benefits as well and consider these when you consider your salary goals.
The preparation steps you have in your bag is vital to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, feel confident and courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials and for interviews, please contact Perth Resume. Our knowledgeable and professional consultants will be able to help you with your interview preparation phases. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or contact us directly to speak with one our experts on 1300 648 974.
